Scan barcode
zygomatic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A quick read with well-described scenes. Chia-chih's actions and Mr. Yee's reactions will make me think for a long time.
common_household_mom's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kevinmccarrick's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
h3dakota's review against another edition
4.0
I love a story that stays with me long after I've read it. Lust, Caution is one of those stories. I read the short story first, then watched the film. I then re-read the story and browsed through the screenplay.
In my World Lit class, I have been fascinated to read that my fellow students all had different reactions to the story - mostly to the film. I found it mostly shocking that the majority seem to feel that Chia-chih was in love with Mr. Yee. The film takes some liberties with the story, but in light of decisions made by Mr. Yee, I would say that they were likely accurate additions. Can a woman ever truly love a man that rapes her? No. She might become so fearful of him that it is easier for her mind to think she is, but truly love him? Hell no.
In my World Lit class, I have been fascinated to read that my fellow students all had different reactions to the story - mostly to the film. I found it mostly shocking that the majority seem to feel that Chia-chih was in love with Mr. Yee. The film takes some liberties with the story, but in light of decisions made by Mr. Yee, I would say that they were likely accurate additions. Can a woman ever truly love a man that rapes her? No. She might become so fearful of him that it is easier for her mind to think she is, but truly love him? Hell no.
takeoutbox's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
g__ta's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yeah_nahnia's review against another edition
4.0
A quick thrilling read with a different (but still great) ending than the film. The film definitely has the space and time to expand upon things only hinted at the book.
freddie's review against another edition
2.0
Quick read but somewhat unsatisfying. I don't know why I need to care about the main characters and the ending is predictable.
carolpk's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not much of a short story reader but had read so much about this sparse story that today's winter storm day seemed the perfect time to jump in. As with most short stories, there's so much underlying the narrative. Chang writes beautifully and I thoroughly enjoyed this sensual tale of love affairs and spies. Can't wait to finally watch the movie now that I've read the book.